One of the best things about a trip in the British Isles is just how much history you can take in. Given the size of the isles, it’s easy to organise a trip spanning all kinds of looks into the past. From looking at Stone Age wonders to places where major historical events took place, it has it all. Here are just a few of our favourite historical holiday sites for when you’re visiting.

If you’re talking about man-made history, we have to start off with one of the oldest and most impressive. Stonehenge is the largest structure of its type in the word, containing huge rocks that travelled over a hundred and fifty miles. No-one really even knows how it was built to this day. Since then it’s played a huge role in local legends, not to mention tourism.

Skipping forward in time a bit, but with no less history. The Tower of London is one of the must-see places for a city so packed with attractive opportunities. Used as a prison, a zoo and a place to hold the crown jewels, it’s been central to English history for centuries now. Nowadays, it has tours and rather spooky themed walks you can take to get an idea of what it must have once been like to be a prisoner.

When you’re talking about feudal era buildings, you just have to talk about some of the fantastic castles in the country. In our opinion, there’s none more fantastic than Stirling Castle in Scotland. Even approaching it, it dominates the landscape from up on Castle Hill. Featured are statues of famous Scottish heroes like Robert the Bruce. There are also attractions around William Wallace, making it a great tribute to these hardy, independent folk.

You’ve undoubtedly already heard of the Dam busters, most likely due to a great classic film bearing the same name. It’s the tale of British pilots who used a newly developed bouncing bomb to destroy dams. A major contribution to Britain’s victory in World War II and one you can experience. Almost. There are no bombs involved but you can visit the location where the Dambusters trained, even taking a flight with Pleasureflights Ltd.

The only natural entry on the list and one of the most magical. Ireland has a great legacy for keeping its colourful myths and the Giant’s Causeway is no different. Supposedly built by the giant Finn McCool, the visitors centre gives an excellent retelling of the myth. However, as a natural arrangement of basalt columns created by volcanic activity, the best part is going down to see the causeway itself.

A gorgeous and religiously important island off the eastern coast of Britain, Lindisfarne is a serene retreat from the world. It’s quite a wonder that its biggest mark on modern history is being the first major target of the legendary Viking invaders. Whether it’s the spiritual value, historic interest of natural beauty you’re after, this island has it in spades.